Disclosure ref: 5 sent 27/3

Freedom of Information Act 2000 Request

Information relating to complaints over the May 2015 General Election

Request/Response

I wish to know the following information regarding the complaints made to the CPS regarding the declaration of election expenses by candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election.

1. How many complaints did the CPS receive concerning the declared election expenses of candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election?

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has no record of any complaints made concerning the declared election expenses of candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election.

2. How many candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election were investigated regarding their declared election expenses?

This is information not held by the CPS. It should be noted criminal investigations are a matter for the police.

3. What were the names of the candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election who were investigated regarding their declared election expenses?

Please see response to question two.

4. How many prosecutions were brought in respect of candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election who were investigated regarding their declared election expenses?

There was one prosecution brought.

5. What are the names of the candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election who were prosecuted regarding their declared election expenses?

Craig Mackinlay. 6. Are these prosecutions still on-going or have they terminated?

The proceedings are still on-going.

7. If these prosecutions have terminated, what were the outcome in each individual case?

Please see response to question six.

8. After receiving the original complaints from members of the public regarding the declaration of election expenses by candidates in the 7th May 2015 General Election, did the CPS apply to a Magistrates’ Court to extend the time limit for commencing any proceedings under section 176(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 prior to 7th May 2016 or later?

Please refer to the response provided in question one.

9. If so, when was the application for an extension made and to which Magistrates’ Court?

Please refer to the response provided in question one.

10. If so, what was the text of the application made to the Magistrates Court under section 176(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983?

Please refer to the response provided in question one.

11. If so, was the application for an extension made by a “constable” or a “Crown Prosecutor” under section 176(2A) of the Representation of the People Act 1983?

Please refer to the response provided in question one.

12. If so, what were the “exceptional circumstances” for the making of the application made to the Magistrates Court under section 176(2A)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 1983?

Please refer to the response provided in question one.

13. If so, which District Judge or which lay justices heard the application?

Please refer to the response provided in question one.

14. If so, what was the outcome of the application and what is the text of the Order made by the Magistrates’ Court under section 176(2B) of the Representation of the People Act 1983?

Please refer to the response provided in question one. 15. If not, what were the reasons for not applying for the extension under section 176(2A) of the Representation of the People Act 1983?

Please refer to the response provided in question one.

Information Management Unit 020 3357 0899 FOI.Unit@cps.gsi.gov.uk